Science Seminar -330                                                          ES 330-01: Syllabus                 Instructor: Mark T. Lassiter, Ph.D. Montreat College                                                                     Montreat College - Fall 2005                    Office: Morgan Science Building, Room 209 Fall 2004
Office Hours:.Monday - 9,11,1; Wednesday - 9,1; Friday - 9,11,2
Phone: 828.669.8012.3303 (Office)
FAX: 828.669.9554
E-mail: mlassiter@montreat.edu
Web Site: http://cesc.montreat.edu           Course Web Site: http://cesc.montreat.edu/Mark
 
Course Resouces on Line: Faith Integration Module - only for reference-complete what is in this syllabi / Student Portfolio Examples
Course Description:
ES 330.Science Seminar. (1/2): Science training in academic and professional skills. [This] course will complement the student-s development at progressive levels of their program training. [Students will prepare and present topics to the class and campus. Students will develop skills in public speaking and be trained in the utilization of modern presentation materials.]  Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 230. [Class time: Ave 1 hr/week: Credit 0.5 hr]
 
Class Structure:
The class will establish components of a student-s background matched with the skills and training identified as important for the specific academic year that the student enrolls. Independent projects and skill development will be pursued weekly and outside the class. A check-list of accomplishments will be maintained and serve as a record for the course grade. The student is responsible for compiling and presenting the homework in a journal that will be evaluated at the Class Meetings. Campus speakers, readings, and outside activities may be scheduled with the class and attendance will be required.
 
Class Meetings: Morgan Science Building: Room 209
Class meetings will be held formally until the tenth week. At which point, students needing to develop some components of their work or finish other tasks will be required to attend class for assistance until the components of the course are completed.
 
Course Goals and Outcomes:
 
1. To pursue educational, career, life, and faith development components of a student training that are linked to the academic year of enrollment in the seminar, involving communication skills, computer skills, faith integration exercises and portfolio / resume development. Educational Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7*
Student Outcome: The student will be able to integrate the above listed components of their junior training in their communication, computer tasks and the development of a portfolio and integrated resume to be posted on the web at the conclusion of the course.
 
2. To investigate how scientific and environmental conclusions are communicated. Educational Objectives: 3,5,7*
Student Outcome: The student will be able to communicate their research findings as conclusions in their presentations that address a chosen topic in the scientific and environmental literature.
 
3. To engage in scientific literature search and investigate how to establish selection credibility from an overwhelming access to information. Educational Objectives: 3,5,7*
Student Outcome: The student will be able to perform a literature search selecting sources that are scientifically credible.
 
4. To explore how our faith development influences our presentation of materials and what role our faith plays in how we communicate. Educational Objectives: 1,3,5,7*
Student Outcome: The student will be able to evaluate and include the role of their faith in their presentations.
 
5. To provide a communication tool for interchange with professionals in scientific / environmental fields through the development of a class web resource site. Educational Objectives: 1,2,4,6,7*
Student Outcome: The student will be able to developed a web site.
 
 
6 . To prepare and present a professional presentation with computer tools. Educational Objectives: 4, 5,7*
Student Outcome: The student will give an acceptable presentation that includes professional tools and computer integration.
*Educational Objectives from the Academics section of Montreat College-s web site: http://www.montreat.edu
 
 
Class Policies:

Attendance:
Attendance at the sessions of the course is required. Students not completing the courrse at the last scheduled meeting, continues to come to class following the 10th meeting, until all assignments and outcomes are completed. Missing a class requires that the student take the independent initiative to find the required peer assistance to gather the necessary information to complete the homework. Evaluations will determine if any grade reductions should be addressed with individual students.
 
Participation:
Each individual is responsible for participation in the discussions and any associated projects. Student participation comes through discussion, reflective attendance and sharing, compilation of projects, and attendance at planned sessions of the class.
 
Respect for each other:
If a student shows a lack of respect for fellow classmates or faculty, the student will be approached. If the behavior continues, the student may be removed from the course or receive a drastic reduction in their final grade for the course.
 
Academic Honor:
You will be working on a project individually, but you can pursue assistance. Your work must be yours and the assistance can refine or sharpen your skills, but you are to be the one developing your work. You must be extremely careful to document and credit components of your project. If copying or plagiarism is found, the work on that assignment is given a zero, but the next event results in a failure for the class. An exception would be the application of this concern to the final document, which would result in failure in the class even if this is the first event for an individual.
 
Resources:
First check the numerous resources of our library and the internet resources available for us.
Internet searches will be utilized for some components of the course. See especially the Center for Christian Environmental Studies @ Montreat College http://cesc.montreat.edu
HTML development of a communication medium can be developed on campus computers.
 
Writing Assistance:
All students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available in the Writing Center, located adjacent to the Bell Library computer lab. See http://www.montreat.edu/writing
 
Grades:
 
The components of each meeting make up portions of the student-s grade. The below sheet details what is to be brought to each class.
 
All components of the meeting date must be completed in order to get any portion of the meeting percentage grade given in ()- next to the listed meeting.
 
Attendance is part of the grade and if for some reason the student must miss the class, it is the student-s responsibility to make arrangements to make-up the meeting PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE!
 
There is no exam, the last projects are due on the last Presentation / Summative meeting date.
 
If the student desires to obtain an A- in the course*, then a polished HTML site for the student-s portfolio is prepared to the quality suited for web posting and the presentation includes a compilation of a bibliographic literature search (meeting the following criteria - scientific, peer reviewed, professional journal publications) compilation as both hard copy duplications of journal articles in a reference folder for the resource room and prepared as an HTML site of internet sources suitable for posting.
 
 
 
GRADING PROCEDURES
Professional management of the tasks of this class and the ability to get materials turned in on time, is a component of the professional training integrated into this course, thus, only students that turn in assignments on time will be considered for the A- grade as presented below:
 
Grading Scale:
6 Excellent work and all homework turned in on time: A=100-92, A- = 91-90,
6 Other Grade compilation : B+=above 89-88, B=87-82, B-=81-80, C+=79-78, C=77-72,C-=71-70,  D+=69-68,D=67-62,                                                              D-=61-60, F= below 60.
 
The instructor reserves the right to adjust final grades based on attendance, attitude, behavior and/or special projects. Unannounced quizzes will be given and incorporated into the second unit test. Material for quizzes and exams will come directly from the lectures and reading assignments. You are responsible for material discussed in class.
 
 
 
Academic Integrity Policy
 
A. Definition of Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty, such as cheating on tests and plagiarizing essays, violates the fundamental trust underlying all academic work: that the work be the product of the student who submitted it. Montreat College defines academic dishonesty as the representation of another-s words, ideas, or images as one-s own. It applies equally to intentional and unintentional quotations, paraphrases, visual images, auditory images, and all electronic means of storage and communication. When academic dishonesty occurs, these procedures will be followed:
 
B. Discipline of Academic Dishonesty
When a professor suspects a student of academic dishonesty, the professor will meet with the student(s) to discuss the incident and to determine to the faculty member-s satisfaction whether or not academic dishonesty has occurred. If, in the instructor-s judgment, such a violation of academic integrity has occurred, the faculty member will present the charges in writing to the student. The only possible disciplinarian actions are, (1) a zero- for the assignment, or (2) an F- for the course. A student may choose to admit his or her guilt of Academic Dishonesty and waive a hearing. This involves signing the Academic Dishonesty Notice outlining the disciplinary action. The Academic Dishonesty Notice will then be put on file in the Registrar-s office. The record(s) regarding academic dishonesty will be retained until the student successfully graduates. A student who does not agree to the professor-s charges must appear before a panel of three faculty members appointed by the Assistant Academic Dean or designee on charges of academic dishonesty. During the intervening period, a student is expected to continue to attend class.
 
The panel will convene a hearing with the student and the professor at which the faculty member will explain the student-s alleged violation.  A student may choose to counter with evidence of her or his innocence or may admit guilt.
 
C. Punishment of Academic Dishonesty
If the panel indicates, by simple majority vote, that the student has been dishonest, the panel shall uphold the penalty assessed by the professor. The Assistant Academic Dean or designee will notify the student, professor, advisor, and Registrar in writing of the panel-s decision. If the student received a failing grade for the course the student may remove the impact of the "F" on the grade point average by successfully retaking the course. Two incidents of academic dishonesty will result in a student-s being subject to dismissal from the college. The student will not be eligible to reapply to Montreat College for at least two (2) years after dismissal. If the panel finds the student not guilty of academic dishonesty, it will notify both the student and the faculty member.
 
If a student receives a zero for the assignment and wishes to drop the course within the time frame for dropping without penalty, he or she may do so, but the Academic Dishonesty Notice will be kept on file if the student has admitted or been found guilty of academic dishonesty.  If the student has been given a zero for the assignment due to academic dishonesty and wishes to drop the course, but the time has passed for dropping without penalty, the student will have WF- recorded on the transcript.  A student receiving an F- for the course as a result of academic dishonesty is not permitted to withdraw from the course; rather, the F- is recorded on the transcript.  In all instances, the record(s) regarding academic dishonesty will be retained until the student graduates.
 
D. Exoneration of Academic Dishonesty
If exonerating evidence becomes available in the five business days following notification, a student may appeal to the Vice President and Dean of Academics. Appeals will be heard only if they meet one of the following conditions: (a) Discovery of new evidence; (b) Violation of procedure. A student must remain in the class and work toward its successful completion during the appeal process. The student will be notified in writing of the final decision.                                                                                                                                  Adopted 5/15/03
 
 
 
 
 


Environmental Studies and Biology Seminar Program - Fall 2005
 
Meetings and Homework Schedule:
 
 
Notes regarding class homework and assignments:
1. Students not completing the courrse at the last scheduled meeting, continues to come to class following the 10th meeting, until all assignments and outcomes are completed. Missing a class requires that the student take the independent initiative to find the required peer assistance to gather the necessary information to complete the homework. Class material will not be repeated in a make-up class formate.
2. All homework is compiled in a three ring binder journal and turned in as a compiled product.
3. The student-s grade is determined by taking the percentage of total points obtained.
4. Homework is only accepted at the beginning of class. A 10% reduction in the possible points occurs each class that assigned homework is missing, even if an absense occurred for the class proceeding the homework. Some homework may be repeated until reaching a level of excellence without a percentage reduction, but only if the homework was turned in on time.
 
 
Meeting #1
Sign-In and Declaration
Faculty Introduction / Announcements
Seminar Rationale / Advising Program
Student Lead Sharing of Observed Gifts and Prayer
 
Homework: Pepare a list of your gifts to share in small groups __1 pts.__
 
Meeting #2
Discuss Gifts
Small groups- development of individual-s gifts
 
Homework: Detail 10 of your gifts or strengths (academic and personal) __1 pts.__
 
Meeting #3
Discuss calling / vocation
What is the area of your passion within your academic pursuits?
 
Homework:  Prepare journal entries for the following...
1. Reflect on your Faith Journey  __2 pts.__
2. Discuss briefly why you are in your major __2 pts.__
3. Detail your Passion / God-s call as you can see it now __2 pts.__
4. Explore the electronic resources on the Library web site and find one scientific journal paper that clearly relates to your area of interest. Print this and include it in your journal.This is a peer reviewed paper andyou need to provide evidence of this!!! -_3 pts._
 
Meeting #4
Faith Integration Module
How does Faith relate to your selected Scientific Papers (previous homework)?
 
Homework: How does learning in science compare to how you learn and grow in your faith?
Module exercise #1- Place reflective work in your journal___3 pts.___
[Module exercise #2 with four reflective journal entries is to be included in your final journal and due at the 10th meeting - 8 pts.___]
 
Meeting #5
Review of basic Oral and Writing Presentation Skills
 
Homework:
Develop a Brief PowerPoint Presentation about your paper. __5 pts.__
In your PowerPoint Presentation, reproduce, by using a spreadsheet application, a table and graphic (with caption) of one of the figures within your selected paper. __10 pts.__
Produce a graphic using functional spreadsheet calculations. Print your spreadsheet and graphic for your journal. __7 pts.__
Find five portfolio sites to share with the class. Prepare these in a word document and save as HTML and bring this ondisc or jump drive to share in class. __3 pts.___
 
Meeting #6: Presentation of Science Seminar 230 up-dated materials
Portfolio / Resume / HTML
Sharing and Evaluation of Portfolio Web Sites
Components of a Portfolio
Components of a Resume
 
Homework:
1. Locate a web posting site
2. Initiate a site and begin working to layout a personal portfolio
Print off page of your construction site, indicate the URL, and place in your journal. __ 3 pts.__
 
3. A final portfolio will be completed on this site by the 10th meeting and your are to again print off the first page of your site and provide the URL for your site for distribution to the faculty of the department. __15 pts.__
 
Meeting #7:
Class Development of a Database for Web Input [Database developed to compile components of the student-s background and link to personal website.]
Applied Database Programs and Utility within Science
 
Homework:
Enter fields in class developed Database __ 5 pts.___
Update Portfolio site to include your resume and develop a part of your portfolio to include a development of what interests you within your field of study. Provide at this site a summary of your scientific journal that your are studying and properly reference information for this journal article. Also, provide at this part of your site, five more papers that related to this topic that you have located. __6 pts.____
 
Meeting #8:
Registration and Class Selections to Finish your Academic Plan
 
Homework:
Meet with advisor to determine Spring Registration and to layout remaining classes and special enrollments. Include evidence of such work in your journal. __2 pts.___
 
 
Meeting #9 - Jobs
How to find or creat jobs.
Information Interviews
Making Contacts
 
Homework:
Find five jobs (or continuing education opportunities) that clearly related to you vocation. Compile information within your journal about these jobs in a spreadsheet formate and include a personal evaluation of how each job fits your call. __7 pts.___
 
 
Meeting #10: Presentations
Computer Graphic Presentation of the Scientific Journal Article and How this work relates to your vocation. ___10 pts.___
Presentation of How your Portfolio Presents your Passion and college professional preparation __5 pts. ___
[Presentations are performed until meeting a satisfactory level of performance and skill compancy.]
Journals collected for final grading.
 
Meetings #11 - #16 Continue and are required of students until all components of their homework and class presentations are completed. ES 330